Winnebago County Animal Services halts adoptions after dog respiratory illness found at shelter

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Winnebago County Animal Services has temporarily suspended adoptions after a potentially serious canine respiratory illness was discovered at the shelter.

Streptococcus zooepidemicus, known as Strep Zoo, was found in several dogs at the shelter, 4517 N. Main St., Animal Services announced on Saturday.

“WCAS is working with staff and shelter program veterinarians in response to this illness and are closely monitoring the health of the dogs in our care,” Animal Services said in a post on Facebook. “WCAS began treatment early this past week by giving all dogs in the facility prophylactic antibiotics while testing was completed.”

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Animal Services said adoptions are suspended until veterinary staff clears the dogs for release. They’re also asking for the public’s help in limiting the intake of new dogs while they treat the illness.

“We are asking community members to help reduce the intake of new dogs by holding on to stray, healthy dogs while using social media to help return dogs to their owners without entering the shelter,” it said in the post.

Strep Zoo is a bacterial infection that can be highly contagious in densely populated shelters. The disease is normally found in pigs and cattle, and it can lead to deadly pneumonia in dogs.

“There is no vaccine for Strep Zoo and few warning signs,” Animal Services said. “The bacterium has caused outbreaks of fatal pneumonia in shelter dogs worldwide due to the stressed and crowded conditions in shelters.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas